Tides, Waves & Currents

Question 1

At Coral Cove the water stays warm and there are lots of fish even on a cool, cloudy morning. Which explanation best shows why the water is warm and full of food for the fish?

Accepted Answer

A steady ocean current brings warm water and tiny plants from a faraway place, giving the fish both heat and food.

Answer

The wind pushes the water so it mixes and becomes warm, and the mixed water makes food for the fish.

Answer

The Moon’s pull lifts warm water up from the deep ocean, and the lifted water carries food for the fish.

Answer

The Sun shines directly on Coral Cove’s water, heating it and making food for the fish.

Question 2

At Sunny Cove the friends notice that at 10 a.m. a light breeze leaves the water almost flat. By 2 p.m. a strong wind creates big waves that roll onto the shore. The wind stops at 2:30 p.m., but the waves keep moving toward the beach for several more minutes. Which statement best explains why the waves keep moving after the wind has stopped?

Accepted Answer

The wind gave the water energy, and that energy makes the waves keep traveling even after the wind is gone.

Answer

The Moon’s gravity pulls the water into waves that continue after the wind stops.

Answer

A strong underwater current pushes the water forward, creating waves.

Answer

The splashing of fish near the surface creates waves that keep moving.

Question 3

What causes waves to form on the surface of the ocean?

Accepted Answer

Wind blowing across the water’s surface

Answer

The Moon’s gravity pulling on the ocean

Answer

Fish swimming back and forth

Answer

The Sun heating the water

Try three questions

At Coral Cove the water stays warm and there are lots of fish even on a cool, cloudy morning. Which explanation best shows why the water is warm and full of food for the fish?

What causes waves to form on the surface of the ocean?

Keep going on this shelf